A new figurehead could be appointed to spearhead efforts to improve "woefully underfunded" walking, cycling, and public transport infrastructure in the North of Tyne.
Campaigners are calling on metro mayor Jamie Driscoll to appoint a new 'Walking and Cycling Commissioner' to help tackle the region's air pollution and climate crisis.
The position has already been created in many other UK regions, including by former Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman in Greater Manchester, and the North of Tyne Mayor says he is "already working" to do the same here.
It comes after the Sustainable Travel Coalition - which includes organisations such as the Newcastle Cycling Campaign, British Cycling, and Newcastle Greenpeace - wrote to the mayor urging him to put his focus on lobbying for improved cycle and pedestrian routes, as well as public transport.
Sally Watson, chair of Newcastle Cycling Campaign, said "Walking, cycling and public transport are woefully underfunded, despite being the cleanest and greenest options. In the light of a climate emergency, now declared by all three North of Tyne local authorities, we need to make them the easiest and most accessible ways to travel for the benefit of everyone. While there is no budget for walking and cycling attached to the mayoral post, there is scope for him to influence and inform policy and investment."
The campaigners say that, while the North of Tyne mayor has no transport powers, a commissioner could lobby for new, high-quality transport options to help people switch from private cars.
Jenny Wiles, regional director of Living Streets, added: "The appointment of our new North of Tyne Mayor is a real opportunity to push forward the transport transformation in our region. A commissioner, answering directly to the Mayor, could oversee the development of a regional strategy for walking and cycling.
"This would ensure that standards for new infrastructure are of a high enough quality for everyone to feel safe walking and cycling for everyday journeys."
Mr Driscoll said after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday that he is considering what the focus of a commissioner would be, highlighting a desire to give people better access to the Metro - such as by providing cycle storage or bike hire at stations, and by allowing more bikes to be taken on the next fleet of Metro trains.
He added: "Sustainable transport is key priority for me and we're already working on it. I have met with Chris Boardman and looked at the work they're doing in Manchester. I'm working with Sustrans, the sustainable travel organisation based in Newcastle , and with colleagues across the region to help us develop a really effective policy that is sustainable for the North of Tyne.
"An Active Travel Commissioner is one of the areas we will be exploring. The benefits of walking and cycling are obvious in terms of climate change, tackling obesity, general health and quality of life. As a keen cyclist myself, I am always happy to meet directly with groups to discuss ways we can work at a community level as well as supporting high profile events such as the Tour of Britain to promote healthy travel."
The 'Sustainable Travel Coalition' is made up of Newcastle Cycling Campaign, Living Streets, Tyne & Wear Public Transport Users Group, British Cycling, Cycling UK, SPACE for Fenham and Arthur's Hill, SPACE for Gosforth, SPACE for Heaton, SPACE for Jesmond, Garden Village Action group, Newcastle Greenpeace, North Tyne Cycle, Play.Meet.Street North Tyneside, and ZMOVE.
